Soccer Goals: If his inspired and magnificent Confederations Cup and Gold Cup play did not evoke feelings of happiness, his opening game performances should, as he tallied an assist in a 1-0 victory over Aab Aalborg within 15 seconds of kickoff. In addition, his preseason performance has been spectactular scoring two goals, making an immediate impact for AGF Aarhus.
Jeremiah White and Benny Feilhaber went the distance, facing Aab Aalborg who inserted American forward Marcus Tracey in the final 12 minutes of the game.
In other Danish action, Michael Parkhurst secured a 2-0 victory for FC Nordsjælland who held the defending champs FC Copenhagen scoreless. The former Revs defender returns stateside to replace the injured Jimmy Conrad for the Gold Cup semifinal against Honduras. Danny Califf anchored the FC Midtjylland back line in a 0-0 draw with Esbjerg.
Are you happy that Feilhaber is playing so well? Will Jeremiah White receive consideration from Camp Bradley? Share your thoughts.
Soccer Goals and soccer videos: It may sound like Hunter Freeman has changed professions and became a field goal kicker. Actually, he scored a goal from 40 yards away in a 2-1 win against Odd Grenland, scoring his first European goal.
This Soccer videos features Hunter Freeman's 40 yard blast.
In a Aarhus friendly against Skive IK which resulted in a 4-2 victory, Benny Feilhaber and Jeremiah White scored a brace and a goal, respectively. After returning from a succesfull Confederations and Gold Cup, the Brazilian born midifielder is demonstrating the form that he experienced in 2007 with the U.S. Men's National Team.
Soccer goals and soccer videos: From 2005-2006 under the Bruce Arena era, Santino Quaranta emerged as a regular on the U.S. Men's National Team, poised to earn a spot for the 2006 World Cup. However, his World Cup omission vaulted the talented midfielder into US soccer obscurity while his personal life and professional career spiraled out of control. Although Santino Quaranta struggled with an addiction to pain killers and cocaine, the 24 year old defied odds returning to DC United, where he revived his club career, earning a call up from Coach Bradley.
This soccer videos features highlights of the USA vs Honduras Gold Cup match.
After almost three years under the helm as the Coach of U.S. Men's National Team, Coach Bradley finally capped Santino Quaranta, reaping immediate results as the United attacker secured the victory with his low near post strike. What makes his goal even sweeter was that it occurred in front of many loyal DC United fans who have supported him, despite his mishaps and poor decision making.
Even though the match concluded with a story book ending, the first half depicted a horror like storyline with the USA playing poorly in central midfield, turning over the ball frequently, lucky not to concede a first half goal. The Hondurans should receive credit for moving the ball swiftly and switching the field to take advantage of space. But, poor final touches and suspect striking kept the Catrachos scoreless at half.
Momentum shifted early in the second half when the USA began to possess and generate scoring chances as the Catrachos started to fatigue and fade. The insertion of Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber paid immediate dividends, adding vision, possession, and speed to the attack. Benny Feilhaber orchestrated the US attack with his quick exchanges and impeccable vision, offering the offensive sequences to break down the Honduran defense.
Providing composure and deft exchanges, Feilhaber channeled the ball from the left flank to the middle park where Charlie Davies set up Santino Quaranta for the go ahead goal. Gasping for air and dejected from the first goal, Honduras conceded a second goal just minutes later from a lapse of concentration that would witness Brian Ching head in the second goal from a Cherundolo cross. Continuing to mount additional attacks until the 90th minute, the US midfield provided several tempting balls into the box but failed to convert.
Here are some additional observations from the game: It is possible to assume that Charlie Davies' recent offensive influence and inclusion for the USMNT has contributed to the greater success to the team rather than other factors. For example, Brian Ching demonstrated little all game but began to show life when Davies entered the game. His speed, hustle, and attacking courage has conjured up memories of how the USA attacked in the 2002 World Cup. As the tournament progresses, let's see if Charlie Davies continues to impact the team in the same manner that he has demonstrated since his inclusion against Egypt in the Confederations Cup.
This offensive revelation does not indicate that the other forwards are demonstrating a poor level, only that Charlie Davies spawns a different perspective and formula for the US attack. It does not appear to be a coincidence that the US attack has witnessed a monumental change since his inclusion.
Player grades for USA vs Honduras match.
Troy Perkins, 6 - Jumped off his line quickly and made several timely saves, considering that the back line struggled for stretches in the first half.
Steve Cherundolo, 6- Overlapped well on the flank and provided good crosses. The Hannover back meshed well with Quaranta and offered support offensively.
Chad Marshall, 7- played rock solid, controlling the aerially battles, but lacked chemistry with Parkhurst who experienced a difficult night. His passing and distribution has impressed me the most this tournament.
Michael Parkhurst, 4.5 - struggled with the speed of the game, and his touches failed him on several occasions. This performance could have hurt his national team chances moving forward.
Heath Pearce, 5.5 - The verdict is still out on the speedy left back. His deft touch and chemistry with Rogers appears void, but his constant overlapping runs and decent crossing offers hope. His support and passing has allowed for better possession and movement during attacking sequences.
Robbie Rogers, 5.5 - His 1v1 dribbling and flank speed has been refreshing to watch, but due to his exceptional speed, Rogers is left with only one option, a cross, when he surpasses his defender and teammates. Other players must provide runs or create passing options for his darting and attacking dribble penetration. His hold-up play needs to improve, as the ball was stripped from him on several occasions.
Kyle Beckerman, 6.5- offered great range defensively but struggled with Pause as a partner. When Benny Feilhaber assumed the more attacking role centrally, Beckerman focused on the defensive side, prospering alongside Feilhaber. His through-ball to Brian Ching in the first half offered a glimpse of his skill and vision.
Logan Pause, 4 - struggled with the speed of the game. His defensive work rate reaches MLS standards but falls short on the international stage. Receiving and releasing the ball quickly lead to his demise, stunting the US continuity and possession.
Santino Quaranta, 7 - offers pinpoint crossing, quick touches, and efficient striking, evidenced on the first goal. He combined well with Cherundolo, and it would be imperative that he continue to utilize his crossing to create additional scoring opportunities. His good performance warrants additional playing time.
Freddy Adu, 4.5- Is the Mojo gone? I don't think so, but the rust is still there. Adu failed to create chances, and the missed header that could have tallied two consecutive goals. His trickery and possession inspired the Hondurans to man-handled the diminutive foward, pushing him off the ball or dispossesing him. Adu returns to Benefica with more questions remaining than answers. His performance could omit him from upcoming qualifiers.
Brian Ching, 5.5- Where was the patented hustle and bustle? Ching failed to hold-up the ball well against Honduras who experienced success against him in the first half. His goal redeemed his performance, but Kenny Cooper showed more in little action than Ching did throughout the game. Ching's recent injury could be hampering his play.
Coach Bob Bradley, 5.5- Starting Logan Pause who is a fringe MLS player proved detrimental to the US attack and defense. His half time adjustments opened up the game which allowed substitutes Benny Feilhaber and Charlie Davies to imprint their stamp on the game.
Subs:
Charlie Davies, 7.5- Inspired the team when he challenged the keepers casual clearance almost resulting in a goal. His speed and willingness to attack has transformed the attack, making his teammates better instantly. His hold-up play on the Quaranta goal would have made Brian Ching and Brian McBride proud.
Benny Feilhaber, 7.5- If questions remain to whether Benny has returned to good form, Benny is back. His introduction inspired the offense from his first touch. His vision, quick touch, and composure on-the-ball allowed the US attack to break down the Honduran defense. Continuing to impress Coach Bradley and international observers, Feilhaber could deny Freddy Adu, as the central playmaker in 2010.
Kenny Cooper, 6.5- challenged the keeper from the inception, providing several shots at goal. With his hustle and improved hold-up play, Cooper could move ahead Conor Casey in the target forward chart. The Hoops' forward should earn the start against Haiti and will need a break-out performance to ensure additional playing time.
Who was your MOTM? Were you happy to see Quaranta score the goal amongst his supporters? Can the USA win the Gold Cup? Share your thoughts.
Soccer goals and soccer videos: Unable to generate constistent attacks through the first half, second half changes transformed the US offense with the inclusion of Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber. After the substitutions, all Coach Bradley had to do was just add water and, poof, instant offense. Benny Feilhaber orchestrated the US attack by utilizing quick exchanges to create space and time on the ball which translated to a goal with a five touch sequence. These quick exchanges sliced through the Honduran's defense while Charlie Davies set up a clean Quaranta strike to net the first goal.
This soccer video features highlights and soccer goals from the USA vs Honduras match.
After his touch and play failed him for the first and part of the second half, Brian Ching awoke from his dismal performance and headed home the proverbial dagger in the Hoduran heart, securing the victory. After the second goal was converted, the Honduran defense absorbed multiple attacking sequences where they were fortunate not to concede a third goal.
Look for players grades coming in the next hour. But, mean while enjoy the highlights, and leave your comments.
Were you happy with the US performance? Should Honduras have scored on their several break away plays? What did you think of Quaranta's performance. Share your thoughts.
Soccer goals and soccer videos: It appears that LA Galaxy fans are coco for Landon Donovan, Benny Felihaber, and Jonathan Bornstein. Has the USA's performance drawn attention to the novice fan?
This soccer videos features Donovan returning from South Africa. Skip to 2:40 minute mark.
Let's pay tribute to Gooch Onyewu who has made all US supporters proud with his recent signing to AC Milan. I was planning to build a shrine at the field, or perhaps I will find a foward or opponent who I can give the Gooch stare down.
This soccer videos features a tribute to Gooch Onyewu.
What do you think of Gooch's signing? Will this start a chain reaction in Europe? Share your thoughts.
Soccer goals: After defeating Grenada and neutralizing its limited attack, questions still persist regarding the Starting Xl that will face an experimental Honduras side which will still feature veterans Costly and Pavon. Although Honduras will confront the USA without Amado Guevarra, David Suazo, and Wilson Palacios, the Catrachos continue to produce young talent and field a strong starting Xl.
With that in mind, will Coach Bradley continue with his 4-4-2 double defensive midfield formation or opt for a more attacking and creative lineup. Considering that Benny Feilhaber has been called up for the Honduras match, this summons suggests that Coach Bradley would like to infuse creativity while offering balanced defensive duties with the Feilhaber selection. If the Brazilian born midfielder earns the start in the central midfield, it very likely that he will be paired with Kyle Beckerman who showed his defensive range and peskiness against Grenada.
With an opportunity to qualify with a win over Honduras, this central pairing could offer the defensive balance and creative passing to spring speedy winger Robbie Rogers. Although many fans will clamor for an aggressive diamond 4-4-2 formation against Honduras, Bradley will likely field a conservative formation, based on defensive principles and discipline, a strategy that would make former President Ronald Reagan or Rush Limbaugh proud.
Coach Bradley's strategy will consist of controlling the central midfield, applying defensive pressure, service into the box, and flank exploitation, utilizing the US winger's speed. The back line will remain completely in tact, but the midfield and forwards could witness dramatic changes.
Let's take a look at several lineups for the USA vs Honduras.
-------Cooper-----Adu
Rogers-Feilhaber-Beckerman-Quaranta
Pearce-Parkhurst-Marshall-Cherundolo
------------Robles---------
If Coach Bradley decides that Freddy Adu needs more opportunities, Adu should start up top with a target forward, given free reign to exploit the gaps and seams available. It is possible that Ching could receive the start over Cooper preferring veteran experience. But, Ching would more likely pair up with Charlie Davies. Adding more attack on the flank could take precedent and Quaranta would fit the ball, offering great service and an attacking mindset.
Here is alternate proposed lineup, if Bradley feels that Ching should start and Adu is not ready for the big game.
-------Ching----Davies------
Rogers-Feilhaber-Beckerman-Quaranta
Pearce-Parkhurst-Marshall-Cherundolo
------------Robles----------
Who would you like to start? Will Bradley favor his veterans or will he offer Freddy Adu another starting opportunity? Share your thoughts.
